Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM's speech at the inauguration of 36th National Games in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Bharat Mata ki – Jai!
Present with us at this grand event are the Governor of Gujarat Acharya Devvrat ji, our popular Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai, my fellow Parliamentarian C.R. Patil, Minister in the Government of India Shri Anurag ji, Minister of State Harsh Sanghvi ji, Mayor Kirit Bhai, representatives of sports organizations and young players from across the country.
Heartiest welcome to all of you! This sight and atmosphere is beyond words. The world's biggest stadium, the world's youngest country and the country's biggest sports festival! When the event is so wonderful and unique, its energy is bound to be extraordinary. The participation of more than 7,000 athletes, 15,000 participants, 35,000 colleges, universities and schools and involvement of more than 50 lakh students in the National Games from 36 states of the country is amazing and unprecedented. The anthem of the National Games is 'Judega India, Jeetega India’. I will say ‘Judega India’ and you have to say ‘Jeetega India’.
'Judega India -- Jeetega India’
'Judega India -- Jeetega India’
'Judega India -- Jeetega India’
These words are echoing in the sky today. Your enthusiasm is reflected on your faces today. This enthusiasm is the beginning for the impending golden future of the sports world. This platform of National Games will act as a new launching pad for all of you. I extend my best wishes to all the players participating in these games.
Friends,
I also appreciate the people of Gujarat for making arrangements for this grand event in a very short time. This is the potential of Gujarat and the potential of the people here. But friends, if you feel any shortcoming or inconvenience, then as a Gujarati I apologize to all of you in advance. Everyone is amazed and proud to see the kind of spectacular and grand drone show that took place in Ahmedabad yesterday. Such a measured use of technology will take Gujarat and India to new heights like a drone. The success of the first National Sports Conclave which was organized here is also being discussed a lot. I also express my deep appreciation to the Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel and his entire team for all these efforts. The official mascot of the National Games 'Savaj'  was also launched a few days ago. Showcasing the lions of Gir, ‘Savaj’ reflects the spirit of the youth of India, shows the passion to hit the ground without any fear. It is also a symbol of India's ability to rise rapidly in the global arena.
Friends,
The spaciousness and modernity of the sports complex in the stadium where you have assembled is also a reason for a different inspiration. The Sardar Patel Sports Enclave and Complex is not only the largest stadium in the world, it is also the most unique in many ways. Usually, such sports complexes are limited to only one or two or three sports. But Sardar Patel Sports Complex has facilities for many sports like football, hockey, basketball, kabaddi, boxing and lawn tennis at the same time. In a way, it is a model for the entire country. When the infrastructure is of this standard, the morale of the players also touches a new height. I am sure all our players will definitely enjoy their experiences at this complex.
My young friends,
Fortunately, the auspicious festival of Navratri is also being celebrated during this time. Gujarat has its own identity as far as the worship of Maa Durga and Garba is concerned. I would urge the players who have come from other states to definitely enjoy the Navratri event here along with sports. The people of Gujarat will leave no stone unturned in your hospitality. Yesterday, I saw how our Neeraj Chopra was enjoying Garba. This joy of celebration binds the Indians and inspires us to support each other. On this occasion, I once again congratulate all of you, the people of Gujarat and the countrymen on the occasion of Navratri.
My young friends,
The progress and respect of any country in the world is directly linked to its success in sports. The leadership of the nation is provided by the youth of the country, and sports and games are the main source of energy for the youth in building their lives. Even today, you will find that most of the economically developed countries of the world are also on top of the medal list. Therefore, the victories of the players in the play grounds and their strong performance pave the way for the victory of the country in other areas as well. The soft power of sports makes the country's identity and image manifold.
Friends,
I often tell sportsmen – ‘Success starts with action’! That is, the moment you start, success also starts the very moment. You may have to fight, struggle, stumble and fall, but if you don’t give up the spirit of continuing with your efforts, then, believe me, the victory itself is moving step by step towards you. The country has started building a new India with the same zeal in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of Independence. There was a time when the world used to go crazy for a global sporting event like the Olympics. But for years, those games were limited only as a subject of general knowledge in our country. But now the mood has changed, the temperament is new and so is the atmosphere. The process of 'First and Best', which began in the country in 2014, our youth has maintained that passion in sports as well.
Until eight years ago, Indian players used to participate in less than 100 international events. Now Indian players participate in more than 300 international events. Eight years ago, Indian players used to take part in only 20-25 games, whereas they participate in about 40 different sports now. Today, the number of medals of India is also increasing and India is also leaving its mark. Even in the difficult times of Corona, the country did not let the morale of its players down. We provided all necessary resources to our youth and sent them abroad for training. We worked for sports with a sports spirit. We prepared in mission mode for years through schemes like TOPS. Today, TOPS is playing an important role in the success of the senior players to the future creation of the new players. Today, our youth are making new records in every sport and are also breaking their own records. India gave its best performance during the Tokyo Olympics this time. For the first time, Indian players won so many medals for the country in the Tokyo Olympics. It was followed by the victory of our badminton team in the Thomas Cup. The Para-Badminton team also brought glory to the country by winning 47 medals in Uganda. The most powerful aspect of this success is that our daughters are also equal partners in this. Today our daughters are in the forefront in raising the pride of the Tricolor.
Friends,
The country had the potential to demonstrate this capability in the world of sports even earlier. This conquest could have started earlier also. But the professionalism in sports was replaced by dynasty and corruption. We cleaned the system and instilled confidence in the youth for their dreams. The country no longer just makes plans, but moves forward step by step with its youth. Therefore, efforts like Fit India and Khelo India have become a mass movement today. Therefore, more and more resources and opportunities are being given to the players now. The sports budget of the country has increased by almost 70 percent in the last eight years. Today, sports universities are being built across the country and modern sports infrastructure is being created in every nook and corner. Moreover, efforts are also being made to ensure that the players do not face any problem even after their retirement. Efforts are underway so that the new generation can get the benefit of the experiences of the retiring players.
Friends,
Sports and games have been part of India's civilization and culture for thousands of years. Sports have also been a part of our legacy and development journey. The country is reviving this tradition of heritage with pride in the ‘Amrit Kaal’ of independence. Now the efforts and enthusiasm of the country is not limited to just one sport, but Indian sports like 'Kalaripayattu' and ‘Yogasan’ are also gaining importance. I am happy that these games have been included in events like National Games. To the players who are representing these sports here, I want to say one thing in particular to them. On the one hand, you are carrying forward thousands of years old tradition, at the same time you are giving leadership to the future of the sports world. When these games will get global recognition in the times to come, then your name will be etched as legends in these fields.
Friends,
Lastly, I want to give one more mantra to all the players. If you want to win the competition, then you have to learn to live with commitment and continuity. We should never consider defeat and victory in sports as the end. This sports spirit should be a part of your life, only then you will lead the dreams and realize unlimited possibilities of a young country like India. You have to remember where there is speed, there is progress. Therefore, you have to maintain this momentum off the ground as well. This pace should be the mission of your life. I am sure your victory in the National Games will give the nation a chance to celebrate and will also instill a new confidence in the future. With this belief, I call for the opening of the 36th National Games.
DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.